A Tuesday screening of the ultra-violent, Harvey Weinstein-produced Quentin Tarantino flick “Django Unchained” has been closed to the press, and the red carpet arrival of the film’s stars has been cancelled in the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the tragedy in Newtown, CT, and in this time of national mourning we have decided to forgo our scheduled event,” The Weinstein Company said in a statement to Deadline. “However, we will be holding a private screening for the cast and crew and their friends and families.”
Over the weekend, Tarantino defended his gruesome Civil War-era film, about a former slave getting revenge on plantation owners, during a press junket in New York City.
“I just think, you know, there’s violence in the world, tragedies happen, blame the playmakers,” Tarantino said. “It’s a Western. Give me a break.”
“Django Unchained” star Jamie Foxx said over the weekend, “We cannot turn our back and say that violence in films or anything that we do doesn’t have a sort of influence. It does.”
Co-star Kerry Washington said, “I do think that it’s important when we have the opportunity to talk about violence and not just kind of have it as entertainment, but connect it to the wrongs, the injustices, the social ills,” according to CBS News.
TWC is the latest production company to cancel red carpet events amid the tragic events in Newtown, Conn.
A charity event for Tom Cruise’s “Jack Reacher” was postponed over the weekend after a gunman shot 20 children, six adults and himself on Friday, Dec. 14.
“Out of respect for the families who lost loved ones in Newtown, CT, we are postponing [Monday’s] fundraising event with Tom Cruise to benefit the 50th anniversary fund which supports K-12 education and new artist programs,” the Film Society of Lincoln Center said in a statement. “We extend our love and condolences to our neighbors. Our community grieves with yours. Information about ticket refunds will be provided shortly.”